HIV testing prevalence in selected Chicago community areas: the importance of local-level data

While data on HIV testing prevalence is readily available at the national, state, and more rarely at the city level, few data are available on HIV testing at the community level, where public health initiatives may be most effectively implemented. Community-level data are necessary given that city, state, and national estimates mask variation occurring at the community level in large urban areas. This type of data is crucial for informing education efforts both within the community and among providers. The current study uses the Sinai Community Health Survey 2.0, a cross-sectional, population-based probability survey of adults in selected Chicago communities to determine the prevalence of ever tested for HIV by community area, sex, race/ethnicity, and age (n = 1496). Across the surveyed community areas, ever tested prevalence ranged from a low of 35% in Norwood Park (predominantly White) to a high of 85% in North Lawndale (predominantly Black). Ever tested differences by community area were statistically significant (Rao Scott chi-square p = 0.003). Across the sampled communities, 65% of females, 55% of males, 80% of Blacks, 62% of Puerto Ricans, 53% of Mexicans, and 44% of Whites had ever been tested for HIV (Rao Scott chi-square p < 0.01). Ever tested prevalence was highest in the 35-44 age group (72%) and lowest in the 65+ age group (33%) (Rao Scott chi-square p = 0.001). Local-level HIV screening data are integral to understanding where (geographically and among which sub-populations) additional services are needed and may also help in directing and securing funding for such services. The evidence suggests that success in identifying and linking HIV positive individuals to care is most likely to be found through a combination of healthcare- and non-healthcare-based initiatives. Ideally, efforts will be coordinated to encompass both of these settings.